Our Lady of Good Counsel

The meaning of the celebration

+ This title for the Blessed Virgin Mary was first used at a shrine honoring the Mother of God in Genazzano, Italy. The Augustinians helped spread this devotion throughout the world.

+ Mary lived her entire life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who overshadowed her at the Annunciation. She gave herself totally to God’s plan for her life and the life of her Divine Son.

+ This feast of Mary celebrates Mary’s faith and spirit of discernment and we ask her to pray that we too will be blessed with the same spiritual gifts.

+ The title “Mother of God Counsel” was added to the Litany of Loretto by Pope Leo XIII in 1903.

Spiritual bonus

On this day, the Church remembers Saint Cletus who, according to ancient tradition, served as the third bishop of Rome. While it is said that he was ordained by Saint Peter the Apostle, we know nothing of the years of Saint Cletus’ time as pope. It is believed that he was martyred around the year 89 and his name is included in the Roman Canon (the First Eucharistic Prayer).

For reflection

“I called upon God, and there came to me the spirit of wisdom; I learned wisdom in simplicity of heart, I had it on ungrudgingly, I do not hide away its riches.”—Wisdom 7:7b, 13

Prayer

Lord, you know that our thoughts on earth
are full of fear and uncertainty;
through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
for whom your Son took flesh and blood,
send us the gift of counsel
to teach us how to discern your will
and to guide us in all we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Collect for the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Good Counsel)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.